Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 will likely boast thinner display bezels and a new lamination process that allows putting the display closer to the front cover.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is planning to refresh the line this year — with a model likely dubbed the Apple Watch Series 7 — by adding a faster processor, improved wireless connectivity and an updated screen, according to people with knowledge of the plans.
For this year’s model, Apple has tested thinner display borders and a new lamination technique that brings the display closer to the front cover. The new Watch is likely to be slightly thicker overall, but not in a way that’s noticeable to the user.
Gurman says the Series 7 will also include updated ultra-wideband functionality, the same technology used in Apple’s AirTag item finder. However, he says additional biometric health sensors are likely to be pushed back to a successor model.
Apple had previously aimed to put a body temperature sensor in this year’s model, but that is now more likely to be included in the 2022 update. The blood-sugar sensor, which would help diabetics monitor their glucose levels, is unlikely to be ready for commercial launch for several more years.
Gurman suggests that some of the new watchOS 8 features shown off last week at Apple’s WWDC21 event, such as unlocking doors and hotel rooms, would be exclusive to the Series 7.